California State Seal of Biliteracy: The First in the Nation Shelly Spiegel-Coleman Californians Together California Department of Education Accountability Conference December 3, 2012

Purpose of today’s session To encourage implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy To be familiar with the new State Seal of Biliteracy To prepare to design and implement a Seal of Biliteracy and/or pathway awards appropriate to the needs and interest of your local contexts

Workshop agenda Background/History/Definition Purpose Pathway Awards Criteria and assessment processes The Award itself Strategy, partners, policy and support Examples – Ideas Resources

A time in history….. Era of English-only politics Advent of the 21st century – interconnected, global and diverse Rich language diversity – but language loss

Every era has to ask…… Are our schools preparing our students for the world they are entering? Are we teaching and valuing the skills and type of knowledge students will need in order to function, thrive and lead in this era?

“You can tell the values of a society by what it counts “You can tell the values of a society by what it counts. We count what matters to us.” Albert Schweitzer Are our schools measuring the outcomes that are important to us?

Mastery of two or more languages…. Cognitive benefits Labor market advantages Live respectfully in a diverse society New relationships and understanding Connection to family and heritage Educational benefits

Societal benefits…. Economic benefits Makes cultural life more vibrant National security and international diplomacy Community “bridgers”

Isn’t English sufficient? 6000+ languages in the world 200 nations recognize more than 2 official languages 10 “link” languages of wider communication (Arabic, Bengali, English, French, Hindi, Malay, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish) Notes There is a list of the world's languages, called "Ethnologue" (Grimes 1996). There are 6,500 living languages listed. Of these, 6,000 have registered population figures. 52% of the 6,000 languages are spoken by less than 10,000 people, and 28% are spoken by less than 1,000 people. 83% of them are limited to single countries. The ten largest languages in the world are the first languages for nearly half of the world's population. Here is a list of the top 10 languages in February 1999 according to Ethnologue: 1. Mandarin 885 million speakers 2. Spanish 332 million speakers 3. English 322 million speakers 4. Bengali 189 million speakers 5. Hindi 182 million speakers 6. Portuguese 170 million speakers 6. Russian 170 million speakers 8. Japanese 125 million speakers 9. German 98 million speakers 10. Wu 77 million speakers It is difficult to give an exact figure of the number of languages that exist in the world, because it is not always easy to define what a language is. The difference between a language and a dialect is not always clear-cut. It has nothing to do with similarity of vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. Sometimes, the distinctions are based purely on geographical, political, or religious reasons. It is usually estimated that the number of languages in the world varies between 3,000 and 8,000. http://www.ling.gu.se/projekt/sprakfrageladan/english/sprakfakta/eng-sprak-i-varlden.html

In the United States, schools produce monolingualism Vast majority of children in the United States will study in only one language – English World language instruction has decreased in past decade Only half of high school students in U.S. take even one year of a world language. Fastest ever rates of language loss

Which of the following are present in your school, community, or district?" Small numbers or decrease in number of students studying world languages. Small numbers or decrease in English learners receiving bilingual program. Subtractive patterns of language loss: As students become fluent in English, they lose their home language. Attitudes that only English is needed.

A Growing Movement to Encourage, & Celebrate the Attainment of Biliteracy Growth of dual language programs (TWBI) National Education Goals 1994 Immersion programs Heritage language programs in schools and community heritage language programs Foreign language/world language programs Extracurricular clubs, travel, etc. Development of the Seal of Biliteracy

Student Voices Distribute the quotes from the envelopes Each person read their quote without any comments. After everyone has read their quote discuss which messages resonated with you.

What is a SEAL of Biliteracy? An award granted to high school seniors upon graduation certifying attainment of mastery of two or more languages (one of which is English)…… (includes American Sign Language)

Steps for getting started Clarify the purpose Determine which awards to give Define the criteria and assessment processes Develop policy Consider strategy, partners and support needed for success Publicize and recruit applicants Design the awards and plan the celebration

San Francisco Unified School Board Resolution “Our vision is to prepare students to become global citizens in multilingual/ multicultural world by providing every student the opportunity to graduate proficient in English and at least one other language through participation in a well-articulated PreK-12 world language program.”

Los Angeles Unified School District Biliteracy awards advance the district’s commitment that every student graduates prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, career, and a diverse 21st century society. Additionally, the awards build upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of the district and communicate that mastery of two or more languages is an important skill that is advantageous in an ever-shrinking global society.

Woodburn, Oregon Woodburn

Woodburn, Oregon School District Strategic Plan In this increasingly global age, biliteracy and interculturalism is an asset. All students, including English dominant students, should have the opportunity to read, write and speak in two or more languages. We will design and implement a system so that all students will be literate in more than one language. Every student will have the opportunity from kindergarten through 12th grade to study and develop high levels of literacy in two or more languages. Well implemented programs are about more than learning a language. They should be based on respect for diversity, social justice, multiculturalism and equity.

Ysleta, Texas School District goal statement All students who enroll in our schools will graduate from high school fluent in two or more languages and prepared and inspired to be successful in a four year college or university.

Why might your school or district want a Seal of Biliteracy? To recognize achievement and hard work To encourage students to study languages To affirm and encourage developing home language To establish the value of bilingualism To protect and/or build dual language programs To build more respectful inter-group relationships Other

Is a SEAL at graduation enough? Created a system of “pathway” awards from preschool through high school recognizing benchmarks towards biliteracy Pathway awards are locally defined, based upon decision-points along the school journey and purpose/need

Attainment/ Achievement Pathway awards Attainment/ Achievement Service Participation Preschool 3rd grade End of elementary End of middle school

California – The First in The Nation AB 815 (Brownley) created the State Seal of Biliteracy California Department of Education Contact: Nancy Zarenda, SEAL@cde.ca.gov

State Seal of Biliteracy Assembly Bill 815 (Brownley, Chapter 618, Statues of 2011) took effect January 1, 2012 Purpose: To recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English

California Department of Education (CDE) resources Informational letter to the field CDE website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/sealofbiliteracy.asp CDE web information to be posted soon (frequently asked questions, language resources) Requirements checklist to assist districts in identifying qualifying graduates Insignia request form CDE email: SEAL@cde.ca.gov

State Seal of Biliteracy

Data from 1st Year of Implementation Total State Seals of Biliteracy Issued – 10,062 Former English Learners - 4,305 93 School Districts, 2 County Offices, 16 Charter Schools 29 Languages and American Sign Language

State Seal of Biliteracy - Languages

Expanding Biliteracy Movement Over 170 agencies with formal Seal of Biliteracy policies and recognition programs County Office awards and celebrations New York State Seal of Biliteracy Other States: Florida, Maryland, New Mexico, districts in Texas, interest in Chicago, Oregon, Utah NABE Campaign National recognition from Migrant Policy Institute for work on Seal of Biliteracy and Long Term English Learners ETS Magazine Article

UCLA Civil Rights Project Study – Dr. Patricia Gandara Document the difference the State Seal of Biliteracy makes to employment or schooling outcomes Data collected by interviews and surveys – questions leading to determine if having the State Seal of Biliteracy is in the applicant’s favor when applying for a job, internship and/or college admission Targeting human resources directors and college admission officers

English criteria: State Seal of Biliteracy All ELA requirements for HS diploma with 2.0 GPA Proficient+ on standards test in English in 11th grade If L1 is language other than English, attain early advanced proficiency on CELDT

Demonstrated proficiency in languages other than English AP score 3+ or IB score or 4+ Four years of study in same foreign language with 3.0 Pass a district-established foreign language exam at proficient level or higher Pass foreign government’s approved language exam with certificate of competency (not an option for State Seal) SAT II foreign language examination with score of 600+

Local assessment components in addition to State Seal Requirements On-demand writing with rubric Oral interview with rubric Application Portfolios Logging hours Self-reflection

End of preschool Purposes: To encourage enrollment in kindergartens with language programs To shape initial attitudes To inform children about language diversity

Preschool Pathways to Bilingualism: program criteria Affirm the value of bilingualism (e.g., signs, posters, exposure) Educate parents about supporting dual language development Actively promote rich oral language in child’s home language (whenever possible) Engage children in developing a love of books and print

Elementary School: Bilingual Service Award Age appropriate oral/listening proficiency in language other than English Age appropriate oral/listening proficiency in English Active use of both languages Log of hours of service using bilingual skills Positive attitudes and understanding of benefits of bilingualism

Elementary school Biliteracy achievement award Proficient+ on standards based test in English Language Arts Demonstrated proficiency in all four language domains in a language other than English

Redwood City Celebration based on 2nd and 3rd grade scores TROPHYS: Proficient or above in both CST and STS for language arts Proficient or above in both CST and STS for math RIBBONS: Proficient or above in both CST and STS in BOTH language arts and math

Middle School: Service and Participation Award At least two years of Foreign Language class or Native Speakers class with passing grades Standards test in English at proficient or better Oral presentation about bilingual careers Essay on two cultural events

Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment Award Proficient on standards-based test or district assessment in languages other then English Oral proficiency in language other than English Average grade of B or above in English classes & World languages/Native language classes Written and oral presentations about bilingualism or cultural experiences

Middle School: Biliteracy Attainment Award For English learners – redesignation to RFEP English standards-based test at Proficient+

Policy: Making it official…. Working committees/Task Forces Board resolution/policy Administrative guidelines tied to existing goals School site program guidelines County or regional office policy State level policy

Recruiting students/publicizing Importance of application Students need to declare it is important to them Students need to be able to reflect on the value of bilingualism for careers and future

Role of Teachers, Administrators & Counselors Inform students about the opportunity Assist students in determining eligibility Letters of recommendation Serve as an assessor Inform parents

Design the Awards –Californians Together Medallions Seals

Elementary and Middle School Pathway Awards Middle School Ribbon Elementary Ribbon

Elementary and Middle School Seal

Design the Award

Sweetwater Union High School District Stole

Velazquez Press Medallion

Action Plan and Timeline Create the policy and criteria Determine how you will give the award Timeframe for assessments Advertising and outreach to students Assess eligibility Create the awards Get sponsors/partners Design and plan the awards celebration PUBLICITY

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT LAUSD Biliteracy Awards Pathway to Biliteracy Awards (5th and 8th grades) Seal of Biliteracy Awards (12th grade) Promote bilingualism and biliteracy as valuable 21st century skills Statewide movement to promote development of literacy in English and in another language Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the Pathway to Biliteracy and the Seal of Biliteracy Awards will be given to LAUSD students who demonstrate excellence in English and in a language other than English. The Pathway to Biliteracy Awards are given to students upon completion of 5th and 8th grade. The Seal of Biliteracy Award is given to students at the completion of 12th grade. The awards are collectively referred to as the LAUSD Biliteracy Awards. Pathway to Biliteracy Awards include a medallion and a certificate. Seal of Biliteracy Awards include a seal on the student’s diploma, an honor cord to be worn during graduation, and a notation on the student’s transcript. These awards advance the District’s commitment that every LAUSD student graduates prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, career, and a diverse 21st century society. They also build upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of our District and communicate that the mastery of two or more languages is an important skill that is advantageous in an ever-shrinking global society. LAUSD joins a state-wide movement spearheaded by Californians Together to promote the development of literacy in two or more languages. Some other districts that are implementing biliteracy awards: San Francisco USD, San Jose USD, Glendale USD, Ventura USD, Santa Monica/Malibu USD, El Segundo USD, Pasadena USD, Azusa USD, Baldwin Park USD, among others. 56

Stanislaus County Office of Education Stanislaus County Office of Education, in partnership with participating districts, presents a multilingual seal for placement on a diploma to each high school student who demonstrates proficiency in English and another world or “target” language. To make their own statement of values To encourage and support districts in awarding the SEAL Much research went into investigating how other districts, states and nations verify language proficiency . You will find the words “Target language” throughout our paperwork and it is being used to indicate a world language other than English that will be assessed in order to earn the award.

Defining the proficiency level Recipients of this award are required to: express themselves with clarity and efficacy orally and in writing submit a portfolio or “LinguaFolio” that demonstrates the ability to prepare short, polished pieces in English provide an on-demand writing sample in the “target” language respond orally in both English and the “target” language in an interview The assessment process is very important to our system. Read slide By efficacy, we mean they are persuasive, descriptive, and proficient for the assignment, topic and audience. We will ask for the linguafolio before the interview and the interview will ensure that we are getting a sample that is completed by the student applying for the Seal. This may be a natural place to clarify what has been covered. Are there any question so far? At this time please look at the overview with the blue highlight on the words goal, Award Components, etc. A great tool to pass out to provide an abbreviated overview

Resources for the LinguaFolio European Language Portfolio http://culture2.coe.int/portfolio/ LinguaFolio 5-State Pilot http://www.doe.virginia.gov/linguafolio/ LinguaFolio Nebraska http://www.nde.state.ne.us/FORLG/PreK16.htm Indiana World Languages site with LinguaFolio links http://www.doe.state.in.us/opd/wrldlangs/

Implementation What is your area of greatest concern with implementing a SEAL of Biliteracy? Getting buy-in to the idea Logistics of getting it started Cost and staffing Other

What “ripple” effects do we hope for….? Students who value bilingualism, their heritage language and other languages Students who understand the benefits of bilingualism - including the present and future applications in their lives Students who have and take opportunities to develop mastery of two or more languages Schools that provide strong language programs

What do we know about what it takes to foster bilingualism? Attention to the hidden curriculum in schools and societal/media messages about bilingualism Exposure to multiple languages Information about the benefits of bilingualism Formal opportunities to study and master multiple languages

School programs Strong world language program Strong native speakers program Strong ELD and ELA program Strong dual language program, translation skills courses, etc. Bilingual career emphasis Travel opportunities, service opportunities - ways for students to USE bilingualism

Californians Together 23 Statewide parent, professional and civil rights organizations focused on improving policy and practice for the education of English learners Keep us informed of your progress in developing and awarding Seals of Biliteracy or pathway awards! www.californianstogether.org/reports www.sealofbiliteracy.org Seal of Biliteracy Bulletin Webinar – Implementing Seal of Biliteracy http://www.schoolsmovingup.net/webinars/biliteracy2 Schools Moving Up - West Ed – 3/10/11

The world is richer than it is possible to express in any one language. Ilya Prigogine Nobel Prize winning scientist

Section II Section 2 From Baldwin Park

From Azusa Unified School District

From Glendale Unified School District

Students for the 21st century Students for the 21st century! For more information: shelly@californianstogether.org